Consultants speak out over 'scapegoat' chief executive

HSJ understands dozens of consultants have separately emailed trust chairman John MacDonald expressing concern over the treatment of Julia Bridgewater.

She resigned earlier this month after six years as chief when it emerged the £450m turnover trust had seen its predicted £2m surplus become a £23m deficit.

She left her job today and has been replaced by interim chief executive Jim Birrell.

The financial situation has been blamed on a decision to open 130 extra beds to meet “unprecedented” demand for the accident and emergency department. The trust is part way through a major transformation to cut in-patient beds and moveservices into the community.

Following news of Ms Bridgewater’s resignation and the ensuing emails, Mr MacDonald met with consultants, matrons and senior nurses on Tuesday. He declined to comment on what was discussed.

Comments included in the letters to Mr MacDonald included: “Because of the personal respect she is held in, we regularly work beyond the call of duty.”

Another added: “Balancing the books is important but success in patient care should also be recognised – we won’t see the like of Julia for some time.”

One consultant wrote: “My department is reeling at the news”. Another added: “Losing her at such a crucial time is a mistake.”

One consultant said: “It seems to me that Julia has been made a bit of a scapegoat. We have lost a high quality chief executive for appears to have been mismanagement at all levels including commissioning groups and the [Midlands and East strategic health authority cluster].”